Chapter 13 (Empathy)

Chapter 13: Empathy

Arwen Swanter

December 2022

About 7 months after outbreak

Ohio

Season 1

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I had followed behind Valentine as he chased after Cole. I didn't let him know I had until he walked towards me with blood all over his hands. And his face—it hurt to look at. Valentine's eyes were filled with a mix of rage and despair, as if he had witnessed something unimaginable. The sight of his pain made my heart ache.

I immediately knew what he had done. I wanted to comfort him because I knew how much Cole meant to him. Valentine was never the same after that. Cole was the first man he killed, and he didn't stop there. It scared me how trigger-happy he was, but I never asked him to stop because I knew why he was like this. Valentine's actions were driven by a deep-rooted need for revenge. The loss of Cole had shattered him, leaving behind a void that could only be filled by seeking justice for his loved one. I understood the weight of his burden and silently supported him, hoping that one day he would find solace and healing.

Valentine's obsession with Cole consumed him, blurring the line between love and madness. His relentless pursuit of justice became a twisted manifestation of his undying love for him, as if keeping his memory alive through his actions. It was both heartbreaking and terrifying to witness the extent to which love had driven him to the edge of sanity.

I would have killed Cole myself if Abby or someone else had died because of him. I wish I had run after him instead of Valentine. If I could go back, I would save Valentine from that pain, because he was never the same afterwards.

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Valentine Evans

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"You're going to be okay."

"You don't have to do that." Arwen carefully examined my cut on my chest and applied pressure to stop the bleeding.

"The cut's deep; you need stitches, Val."

"I don't want your help." I pushed their hand away, frustration and anger bubbling inside me. Memories of that night flashed through my mind, the sound of Cole's voice echoing in my ears.

"It doesn't matter; I'm the only one here who will help you, and you need it whether you like it or not."

"Arwen, where are we going?" I asked, finally accepting their help. They carefully pulled the needle through my skin and began stitching the wound.

"I'm not sure yet. We'll go wherever the world takes us, and I'll always be right by your side."

"We need something permanent." I whispered, my voice barely audible. Arwen paused for a moment, their eyes meeting mine with a reassuring smile. "And we'll find that. We just have to keep looking."

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End of Season 1